Pop-up opera surprises customers in cafes and pubs

In south London, a unique and exciting event is taking place this summer. Baseless Fabric Theatre, a creative group based in Wimbledon, is bringing live opera performances to places where you would never expect to see them. Instead of performing in big, fancy theaters, they are showing up in local cafes, libraries, and pubs across Merton, Croydon, and Wandsworth. Their goal is to introduce opera to people who might not usually have the chance to experience it, especially families and children enjoying their summer break.

Joanna Turner, the director of Baseless Fabric Theatre, has reimagined the classic opera The Elixir of Love for a modern audience. She says that the best part of these surprise performances is seeing the reactions of people who had no idea they were about to see an opera. She describes how children are often amazed, their mouths wide open in disbelief at the powerful voices of the singers. The group believes that the element of surprise is essential to their street opera shows. Since they perform in public places, they cannot do a full dress rehearsal. Every performance is different, depending on who is there and what is happening at the time. Joanna compares it to a flash mob, but instead of dancing, it is opera singing that catches people off guard.

One memorable performance took place at The Charles Holden pub in Colliers Wood. Cat Wellington, who was there to catch up with a friend, suddenly found herself sitting in the front row of an unexpected opera show. She described the experience as both wild and wonderful. The performers, all trained opera singers and musicians, want to break down the barriers that often keep people away from opera. They hope to show that opera can be fun, exciting, and accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford expensive theater tickets.

The group’s first performance in Colliers Wood started inside a supermarket, moved to a pub, and ended in the foyer of the local library. Patrick and Jessica Murphy, who have seen Baseless Fabric Theatre perform before, were delighted to stumble upon another show with their young child. Jessica said it is a lovely thing to have in their community. The group’s mission is to bring a little bit of magic and awe into people’s everyday lives, even if just for a few minutes. Baseless Fabric Theatre will continue their street opera performances until August 10, so if you are in south London, keep an eye out – you might just find yourself enjoying a live opera in the most unexpected place.